It feels like I’ve had the Brooks Glycerin in my rotation forever. The Brooks Glycerin 19 is a high cushioned neutral shoe. Even with the updates, it rarely changes much. You know, from year to year, it’s going to be about the same.
This year, the Brooks Glycerin 19 is updated with a softer ride and a new outsole configuration. It feels “less clunky” but still high cushioned. Note: Clunky does not mean cushioned, and cushioned does not clunky.
Brooks Glycerin 19 Quick Facts:
Weight: 9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 9 mm
Price: $150
Brooks Glycerin 19 Intro:
As mentioned, the Brooks Glycerin rarely changes. Along with the Ghost, the Glycerin went through a bigger transformation around model 12, but from year to year, it remains similar. If you want a high cushioned workhorse trainer, the Glycerin delivers year after year. Some years it feels like groundhog day reviewing it. “Nothing changed, still good” seems to be a good short update. It’s been using the same DNA Loft cushioning for over 4 years now. But what about for people who have never used the Brooks Glycerin 19?
If you like high cushioned, neutral, soft shoes, the Brooks Glycerin 19 is probably a good option for you. If you prefer the Brooks Ghost or Brooks Launch but want more cushion, the Brooks Glycerin 19 is a good option. This is even Des Linden’s favorite trainer.
Brooks Glycerin 19 Fit:
The upper of the Glycerin 19 feels plush and premium. Brooks has excelled in fit for most of their running shoes. $150 is still a lot for a shoe, and it’s clear the shoe feels “more premium” than some of Brook’s other options. Heck, it feels premium than a lot of other $150 offerings.
The Glycerin 19 features a multi-layer mesh and a few 3D Fit Print overlays on the midfoot. The upper is seamless so that it won’t irritate bunions or wider feet. I appreciate the heel is narrow and plush, so it feels like it’s truly hugging your foot.
I love the ride of the Brooks Glycerin 19 but prefer the fit of the wider toebox Ghost. The Ghost has a much wider toe box and fits wider feet. I don’t usually have a problem finding the right fit for the Glycerin; it just takes some time. Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. Over the years, I’ve worn almost every size from 10 to 11 wide in the Glycerin. This year, the women’s size 10.5 wide fits the best.
Brooks Glycerin 19 Ride:
The Brooks Glycerin is like an old friend. For the last 5-6 years, I’ve been able to put on the shoe and go for a long run if I wanted. It’s so similar; I don’t have to worry about blisters or an injury. This year, the Brooks Glycerin 19 is noticeably softer. It’s not as soft as the Hoka Clifton, but it’s softer.
The Brooks Glycerin 19 uses (and has been used for 4 years now) DNA Loft foam. This is the traditional and soft EVA foam Brooks has used for a while. It’s not “carbonated,” so it’s not responsive like the Brooks Hyperion Tempo. It’s designed for easy runs.
The ride is smooth and a lot less clunky than it’s been in previous years. It feels a lot easier to roll through the gait cycle and from heel to toe. So much so I thought the drop might have changed but has not.
I’ve used to run nearly 100 miles in the Brooks Glycerin 19. For reviewing purposes, I’ve done some faster runs but mostly easy runs. The Brooks Glycerin 19 excels as an easy recovery run shoe when you want that extra cushion the day after a workout or you just like the extra cushion; it’s a great option.
Durability and Traction: The Glycerin 19 has plenty of blown rubber on the bottom. Although the rubber Brooks uses is softer (for softer landings), it doesn’t wear out much faster.
I’ve found most Brooks running shoes to be good options for inclement weather days. The rubber allows a lot more traction than many other brands. As mentioned, I’ve put about 100 miles in the Brooks Glycerin 19 with no signs of wearing down. I expect the Brooks Glycerin 19 will live a long 400-mile life in my rotation.
Brooks Glycerin 19 Conclusion:
Not a lot has changed from the Glycerin 18 to the Glycerin 19, but I can say it’s a good update. All of the changes are subtle (fairly normal from Brooks), and they have only added positive additions to the shoe. If you are looking for a high cushioned, soft, neutral trainer, the Glycerin 19 is a great option. It’s not a flashy option, but it’s a consistent workhorse. I think it’s one of the better valued and durable trainers than others in the same category.
In short, it’s like groundhog day with not too much difference. The Brooks Glycerin 19 isn’t flashy, but it’s a great high cushioned, neutral, soft trainer to log most easy runs.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Ricochet 3, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Brooks Glycerin 19
Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Brooks Glycerin 19?
What is your favorite trainer?